Predictors of universal influenza vaccination uptake in grades 1 and 2 Toronto school children: effective vaccination strategies should not end with at risk children

Abstract

The first population-based survey to determine predictors of influenza vaccination among children in a major metropolitan city with access to publicly funded health care and a universal influenza immunization program (UIIP). Previously collected demographic and health related data from 5619 school children aged 5-9 in Toronto, in 2006 were used to predict influenza vaccination. Vaccination was more likely in children with current asthma (OR 1.44, 95%CL 1.19-1.75), a high volume of contacts with a health service provider (OR 1.37, 95%CL 1.14-1.65), foreign born children (OR 1.20, 95%CL 1.01-1.42) and those with the lowest income adequacy (OR 1.37, 95%CL 1.12-1.68). Data from this study will be helpful in designing future influenza vaccination strategies to improve vaccination rates in the entire population.